AGS Top 25 - How They Fared - Week 8, Fall 2022

[Preferred Walk-On]

With one late game just starting the 2nd Qtr (and it is a biggie AND on ESPN2), I present this week's How They Fared. Yes, I am going to stay up way past my bedtime to watch this one, and yes, I did have supper at 4:30 PM today. ;)

Most of the Top 25 played out as expected, with a few games of note:

#3 Weber State 38 @ #4 Montana State 43 (of note, because well, #3 vs. #4; also because it seems once again that either the offenses in the Big Sky are juggernauts of epic proportions, or alternatively, there is once again no defense in the Big Sky, or at least this game...you decide)

#6 Holy Cross 24 @ Lafayette 21 (of note, because the Crusaders were trailing with about 6 min remaining in the game AND scored the go-ahead TD on 4th and Goal from the 16 yd line)

#9 Mercer 21 @ #10 Chattanooga 41 (of note, because two high ranking SoCon teams, but score was perhaps a bit more lopsided than expected)

#13 Samford 55 @ East Tennessee State 45 (of note, because Samford can score, but can they continue to give up so many points, to an unranked team no less, and keep winning?)

#14 Southern Illinois 24 @ South Dakota 27 (of note, because SIU had been trending upward, now one must ask "who are they, really?" after losing to the unranked Coyotes)

#21 Elon @ #28 New Hampshire (of note, because UNH is now leading the CAA after taking a surprising loss earlier this season, and the darling of the CAA just two weeks ago, the Phoenix, may have just broken their glass slipper)

#22 Rhode Island 48 @ Monmouth 46 (7 OT) (of note, because needed 7 OT to beat unranked Monmouth)

I kid about the defenses above, as even #1 South Dakota State 49 @ #19 North Dakota 35 resulted in a total of 84 pt in the Valley. xdontknowx

Of course, you can CLICK HERE (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WmiF-KyoUlB9QRJYNqocu_Tp-nL88Jbu8ZCBHoAqbMA/edit?usp=sharing) to see all the results and decide for yourself what is and is not noteworthy, as you piece together the finest damn FCS poll in America.

Even though this sheet will be out before the #8 Montana @ #2 Sac State game is finished, I trust you to be able to find out what happened, and I will update the sheet when I get the chance. As always, any errors, please let me know.

[MSUBobcat]

With one late game just starting the 2nd Qtr (and it is a biggie AND on ESPN2), I present this week's How They Fared. Yes, I am going to stay up way past my bedtime to watch this one, and yes, I did have supper at 4:30 PM today. ;)

Most of the Top 25 played out as expected, with a few games of note:

#3 Weber State 38 @ #4 Montana State 43 (of note, because well, #3 vs. #4; also because it seems once again that either the offenses in the Big Sky are juggernauts of epic proportions, or alternatively, there is once again no defense in the Big Sky, or at least this game...you decide)

#6 Holy Cross 24 @ Lafayette 21 (of note, because the Crusaders were trailing with about 6 min remaining in the game AND scored the go-ahead TD on 4th and Goal from the 16 yd line)

#9 Mercer 21 @ #10 Chattanooga 41 (of note, because two high ranking SoCon teams, but score was perhaps a bit more lopsided than expected)

#13 Samford 55 @ East Tennessee State 45 (of note, because Samford can score, but can they continue to give up so many points, to an unranked team no less, and keep winning?)

#14 Southern Illinois 24 @ South Dakota 27 (of note, because SIU had been trending upward, now one must ask "who are they, really?" after losing to the unranked Coyotes)

#21 Elon @ #28 New Hampshire (of note, because UNH is now leading the CAA after taking a surprising loss earlier this season, and the darling of the CAA just two weeks ago, the Phoenix, may have just broken their glass slipper)

#22 Rhode Island 48 @ Monmouth 46 (7 OT) (of note, because needed 7 OT to beat unranked Monmouth)

I kid about the defenses above, as even #1 South Dakota State 49 @ #19 North Dakota 35 resulted in a total of 84 pt in the Valley. xdontknowx

Of course, you can CLICK HERE (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WmiF-KyoUlB9QRJYNqocu_Tp-nL88Jbu8ZCBHoAqbMA/edit?usp=sharing) to see all the results and decide for yourself what is and is not noteworthy, as you piece together the finest damn FCS poll in America.

Even though this sheet will be out before the #8 Montana @ #2 Sac State game is finished, I trust you to be able to find out what happened, and I will update the sheet when I get the chance. As always, any errors, please let me know.

Ahem... our defense only gave up 24 points, with 3 gifted by Tommy in the first minute. It's our special teams that are terrible.

[FUBeAR]

#9 Mercer 21 @ #10 Chattanooga 41 (of note, because two high ranking SoCon teams, but score was perhaps a bit more lopsided than expected)

Once Mercer got past their SuicideStart - down 2 scores after their 2nd Offensive play (eerily similar to how they started when they were inexplicably routed by VMI at home last season) - the game was not lopsided. Mercer had a chance to cut the lead to 6 late in the 3rd quarter as they were driving and getting close to the Chatt red zone…but another turnover (1 of 6 on the day) ended that drive.

No doubt, Chatt was certainly the better Team yesterday as the Mocs played near-flawless Football behind a very efficient Offense and a crushing Run Defense. The final stats, other than 6 vs. 0 turnovers, were fairly even…and after said SuicideStart, it was a 10 point separation…which about reflects the difference FUBeAR saw the rest of the game. Not a “lopsided” game. A tough battle that was won by the better Team that certainly played much better than their opponents did yesterday.

[Tribal]

Thank you for putting this together


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dewey]

Ahem... our defense only gave up 24 points, with 3 gifted by Tommy in the first minute. It's our special teams that are terrible.

It should also be pointed out that Montata State scored not one, not two, not three but an FCS record 4 safeties against Weber Stae in the game.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/watch-weber-state-sets-single-game-fcs-record-for-safeties-with-four-botched-punt-attempts-vs-montana-state/

It appears that this is a Division 1 record as the FBS record is 3.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.si.com/.amp/college/2022/10/22/montana-state-sets-record-four-safeties-single-game

Wow!

Dewey

[ElCid]

It should also be pointed out that Montata Stae scored not one, not two, not three but an FCS record 4 safeties against Weber Stae in the game.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/watch-weber-state-sets-single-game-fcs-record-for-safeties-with-four-botched-punt-attempts-vs-montana-state/

It appears that this is a Division 1 record as the FBS record is 3.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.si.com/.amp/college/2022/10/22/montana-state-sets-record-four-safeties-single-game

Wow!

Dewey

Yeah but as you said, Montana St may have scored four times, but they didn't "cause" the safeties, not one of them. At least directly. The Weber long snapper appeared to be on drugs or something. Four highly errant snaps to punter put all four snaps into or through end zone. Craziest thing I have seen in a long, long time. Maybe ever. Considering field position and the 8 points, this was obviously the game breaker for Weber.

[POD Knows]

Yeah but as you said, Montana St may have scored four times, but they didn't "cause" the safeties, not one of them. At least directly. The Weber long snapper appeared to be on drugs or something. Four highly errant snaps to punter put all four snaps into or through end zone. Craziest thing I have seen in a long, long time. Maybe ever. Considering field position and the 8 points, this was obviously the game breaker for Weber.
That long snapper was an abomination. Every single one of his snaps was a disaster. His snaps on extra points were all high as well I think. It was freaking sad. Could have been a decent game but the special teams play, by both sides really, was horrid.

[MSUBobcat]

That long snapper was an abomination. Every single one of his snaps was a disaster. His snaps on extra points were all high as well I think. It was freaking sad. Could have been a decent game but the special teams play, by both sides really, was horrid.

Agreed. Not to be outdone, the refs were also especially putrid.

[ElCid]

That long snapper was an abomination. Every single one of his snaps was a disaster. His snaps on extra points were all high as well I think. It was freaking sad. Could have been a decent game but the special teams play, by both sides really, was horrid.

I'm just curious if he was their normal starter, was he sick, did his girlfriend break up with him? What is the back story.

[POD Knows]

I'm just curious if he was their normal starter, was he sick, did his girlfriend break up with him? What is the back story.
Yea. I don’t know but it was a **** show. It was really too bad, that first snap to the punter, I swear to God, it was probably 20 feet over his head.

[FUBeAR]

I'm just curious if he was their normal starter, was he sick, did his girlfriend break up with him? What is the back story.
In addition to being a position Player, FUBeAR was a Long Snapper from 5th grade thru College (backup in college cuz he didn’t want to do it & we had other “specialists” that could do it).

2 bad punt snaps in those years - 1 due to being an over-geeked Sr playing against our HS rival. Looked about like Weber…1st series from the 23 YL over our 6-5 Punter’s head and out the back for a safety. 1 in a JV game at Clemson with the #1 DL Recruit in the US growling, etc on FUBeAR’s head - you could crush the Long Snapper in those days - no restrictions at all - that one was from the 2 YL and also out the back & yeah he crushed FUBeAR while FUBeAR’s head was still down….

Anyway - point is - 2x in 12 years or so - estimate 400+ punt snaps with 2 really bad ones - that’s about normal FUBeAR thinks - and as a former snapper - that wasn’t ‘the yips’ … seems to FUBeAR that someone would almost have to TRY to send all 4 of those out the back. Kid have any ‘beef’ with the program or the Coach?

[CorrosionDoc]

Yeah but as you said, Montana St may have scored four times, but they didn't "cause" the safeties, not one of them. At least directly. The Weber long snapper appeared to be on drugs or something. Four highly errant snaps to punter put all four snaps into or through end zone. Craziest thing I have seen in a long, long time. Maybe ever. Considering field position and the 8 points, this was obviously the game breaker for Weber.

I don't know why Weber State should get an excuse for their special teams giving up 4 safeties on punts, but Montana State giving up a 100 yard kick return and a 90 yard punt return and spotting Weber 14 points somehow indicates Weber is the better team? Both special teams were bad, but if you compare the offenses and defenses, Weber is lucky it was as close as it was.

[Tribe4SF]

Looking at the stats from the game it's hard to believe Holy Cross won against Lafayette. 7 first downs and 181 yds. of total offense.

[ElCid]

I don't know why Weber State should get an excuse for their special teams giving up 4 safeties on punts, but Montana State giving up a 100 yard kick return and a 90 yard punt return and spotting Weber 14 points somehow indicates Weber is the better team? Both special teams were bad, but if you compare the offenses and defenses, Weber is lucky it was as close as it was.

Not sure anyone is giving "excuses" just an accurate, unbiased evaluation. Considering one side did a self inflicted wound, repeatedly and the other couldn't prevent the other team from executing good returns. There is a distinct difference in the two situations. And I'm not sure I've heard anyone say Weber is better. But I'll reread all the posts to be sure. Not sure who is better in a vacuum as it stands. But games aren't played in a vacuum and you have to play with what your dealt, like on special teams. And Montana St played good enough to win given what they faced.

[WestCoastAggie]

It appears the SoCon is rising up and could be poised to garner 2-3 at large bids if the ball bounces the right way.

Also, the OVC and ASUN/WAC challenge could each gain an at-large bid?

Lastly, should Fordham also join Holy Cross in the top-15 and should the NEC have multiple teams ranked in the top-25?

This could be the most balanced at-large pool we’ve seen in years.

[ElCid]

It appears the SoCon is rising up and could be poised to garner 2-3 at large bids if the ball bounces the right way.

Also, the OVC and ASUN/WAC challenge could each gain an at-large bid?

Lastly, should Fordham also join Holy Cross in the top-15 and should the NEC have multiple teams ranked in the top-25?

This could be the most balanced at-large pool we’ve seen in years.

All good for FCS.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Montana was as good or better than Sac St last night and lost the game so if they are neck and neck with a top 2 team I am having trouble figuring out where they go because I almost want to raise them now considering what I saw. We are sliding into that arena of losing to the really good teams so not much else you can do with them right now...

It is real possible we just played the two best teams in the conference but my mind may change several times over the next few weeks. xlolx

[Tribal]

Yea. I don’t know but it was a **** show. It was really too bad, that first snap to the punter, I swear to God, it was probably 20 feet over his head.

No college team, especially a good college team, should have fewer than three players who can long and short snap. W&M has a TFr who came in for that role alone. An OLB was our starting snapper last year and could easily assume that role again. Point- it’s inexcusable to have no one ready to snap if the kid assigned to that role puts a ball or two through the endzone.

[ElCid]

No college team, especially a good college team, should have fewer than three players who can long and short snap. W&M has a TFr who came in for that role alone. An OLB was our starting snapper last year and could easily assume that role again. Point- it’s inexcusable to have no one ready to snap if the kid assigned to that role puts a ball or two through the endzone.

Yup. I dropped them a bit for the loss, and probably a couple more spots for being poorly managed.

[Milktruck74]

In addition to being a position Player, FUBeAR was a Long Snapper from 5th grade thru College (backup in college cuz he didn’t want to do it & we had other “specialists” that could do it).

2 bad punt snaps in those years - 1 due to being an over-geeked Sr playing against our HS rival. Looked about like Weber…1st series from the 23 YL over our 6-5 Punter’s head and out the back for a safety. 1 in a JV game at Clemson with the #1 DL Recruit in the US growling, etc on FUBeAR’s head - you could crush the Long Snapper in those days - no restrictions at all - that one was from the 2 YL and also out the back & yeah he crushed FUBeAR while FUBeAR’s head was still down….

Anyway - point is - 2x in 12 years or so - estimate 400+ punt snaps with 2 really bad ones - that’s about normal FUBeAR thinks - and as a former snapper - that wasn’t ‘the yips’ … seems to FUBeAR that someone would almost have to TRY to send all 4 of those out the back. Kid have any ‘beef’ with the program or the Coach?

I tried Long snapping but after about 6 attempts I realized I did not possess the skill necessary to do so...It is a completely different motion...and it much more like a QB pass, just thru the legs... Anyway, Having moved to center in Prep School and playing there for the next several years in College, I have launched one over the QBs head in the shotgun in a game...did it once and it was the loneliest feeling I've EVER had. Give up a sack and you blame the guard (yeah, the guards on either side of me were really bad, ha) but launch it for a loss of 25-35, that all you!!!! IT WONT HAPPEN TWICE...in fact the next series, you just roll it back to the QB!!!!!

[wapiti]

Montana was as good or better than Sac St last night and lost the game so if they are neck and neck with a top 2 team I am having trouble figuring out where they go because I almost want to raise them now considering what I saw. We are sliding into that arena of losing to the really good teams so not much else you can do with them right now...

It is real possible we just played the two best teams in the conference but my mind may change several times over the next few weeks. xlolx

How does a team win the turnover margin 4 - 0 and lose the game?

[POD Knows]

How does a team win the turnover margin 4 - 0 and lose the game?Losing their QB didn't help, Montana is in trouble if they have to ride that back-up down the road.

[Gil Dobie]

I voted for a team for the first time ever, at 25.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Just a tad under an hour left to vote so get them in.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

How does a team win the turnover margin 4 - 0 and lose the game?

Because the turnovers did not come with 8 gifted points. We could have used those.

[crusader11]

I voted for a team for the first time ever, at 25.

Care to give us a hint?

Commerce?

[Gil Dobie]

Care to give us a hint?

Commerce?

First place in their conference

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

First place in their conference

St. Thomas? I'm thinking regional familiarity is playing a role. And perhaps rightfully so. That is not a team I voted for. But I did place the Quakers at 25....hmm...

[ursus arctos horribilis]

First place in their conference

Don't they have one of the weakest schedules in FCS and also check your email as I sent a question on this...I had one other guy put that in there as well and questioned how any other team in the nation would not have that record with that schedule?

SUU beat the piss out of them. That is the only 1/2 way legit team they have played and that is stretching it this season.

I must be missing something as I really don't understand that one.

[crusader11]

If not St. Thomas, then perhaps Merrimack.

Penn certainly is worthy of Top 25 consideration, although guessing you would have voted for them at some point previously.

[Chalupa Batman]

Don't they have one of the weakest schedules in FCS and also check your email as I sent a question on this...I had one other guy put that in there as well and questioned how any other team in the nation would not have that record with that schedule?

SUU beat the piss out of them. That is the only 1/2 way legit team they have played and that is stretching it this season.

I must be missing something as I really don't understand that one.

That's what I was assuming too. I've looked at their record and thought about ranking them for half a second, until I looked at their schedule and that went out the window.

[Gil Dobie]

Don't they have one of the weakest schedules in FCS and also check your email as I sent a question on this...I had one other guy put that in there as well and questioned how any other team in the nation would not have that record with that schedule?

SUU beat the piss out of them. That is the only 1/2 way legit team they have played and that is stretching it this season.

I must be missing something as I really don't understand that one.

They have a good coach. I am sure they learned from the SUU game. They might not lose another game until the playoffs. I'm sure there are teams not ranked that can beat them, but they are a rising star in the FCS world.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

They have a good coach. I am sure they learned from the SUU game. They might not lose another game until the playoffs. I'm sure there are teams not ranked that can beat them, but they are a rising star in the FCS world.

So what? We are ranking the teams for this week that we think are the 25 best? I just don't follow this logic one bit.

[Gil Dobie]

So what? We are ranking the teams for this week that we think are the 25 best? I just don't follow this logic one bit.

That's why I voted them #25.

[crusader11]

The Tommies (great name) are probably worthy of consideration for a hot second given their 6-1 record, but once you peel back the onion and see that two of these wins are two sub-D1 teams and the other four wins are to only PFL teams, there's just no way to say they're currently one of the 25 best teams based on performance.

They trailed Presbyterian at the half and struggled at home to hapless Drake. Tells me all I need to know.

- - - Updated - - -


That's why I voted them #25.

Who'd you leave on the outside looking in?

[Gil Dobie]

The Tommies (great name) are probably worthy of consideration for a hot second given their 6-1 record, but once you peel back the onion and see that two of these wins are two sub-D1 teams and the other four wins are to only PFL teams, there's just no way to say they're currently one of the 25 best teams based on performance.

They trailed Presbyterian at the half and struggled at home to hapless Drake. Tells me all I need to know.

- - - Updated - - -



Who'd you leave on the outside looking in?

NDSU struggled early against Drake.

[VandalBasher]

https://www.espn.com/college-football/matchup?gameId=401413250

No mention of Idaho's 42 unanswered points and 2nd Half shutout? I thought the Vandals were now "ranked."

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

If not St. Thomas, then perhaps Merrimack.

Penn certainly is worthy of Top 25 consideration, although guessing you would have voted for them at some point previously.

I just realized I switched out Penn for North Dakota...ohh the irony...lol

[POD Knows]

NDSU struggled early against Drake.There is zero reason for St Thomas to be in the top 25, they got smoked by an FCS bottom feeder that isn't even sniffing the top 25, got a couple wins against D2 or lower teams.

Hate to say this but this sounds to me like Twin Cities homer BS. Just not seeing it.

[crusader11]

NDSU struggled early against Drake.

Do you mean just the first drive of the game when Drake scored a TD?

Because it was 42-7 at the half.

[wapiti]

Don't they have one of the weakest schedules in FCS and also check your email as I sent a question on this...I had one other guy put that in there as well and questioned how any other team in the nation would not have that record with that schedule?

SUU beat the piss out of them. That is the only 1/2 way legit team they have played and that is stretching it this season.

I must be missing something as I really don't understand that one.


That's what I was assuming too. I've looked at their record and thought about ranking them for half a second, until I looked at their schedule and that went out the window.

Then why is Jackson State getting all the love from voters?? There schedule is fairly weak too. There best win is a 1 score lead over middling Campbell team.

[Gil Dobie]

There is zero reason for St Thomas to be in the top 25, they got smoked by an FCS bottom feeder that isn't even sniffing the top 25, got a couple wins against D2 or lower teams.

Hate to say this but this sounds to me like Twin Cities homer BS. Just not seeing it.

San Diego won a couple play off games.

[Gil Dobie]

Do you mean just the first drive of the game when Drake scored a TD?

Because it was 42-7 at the half.

Pretty much the 1st quarter. With 50 seconds left, the Bison blocked a FG to go up 14-7, instead of down 10-7.

[Gil Dobie]

There is zero reason for St Thomas to be in the top 25, they got smoked by an FCS bottom feeder that isn't even sniffing the top 25, got a couple wins against D2 or lower teams.

Hate to say this but this sounds to me like Twin Cities homer BS. Just not seeing it.

Did you put Idaho above Montana this week.

[POD Knows]

Did you put Idaho above Montana this week.Yep, Montana lost and didn't really look very good this weekend. My poll is posted every week on the thread for your viewing pleasure.

[caribbeanhen]

St. Thomas? I'm thinking regional familiarity is playing a role. And perhaps rightfully so. That is not a team I voted for. But I did place the Quakers at 25....hmm...

I had Penn at 25 as well

As far as St Thomas, They are still in the US Virgin Islands as far as I’m concerned, at least until they beat somebody

[FUGameBreaker]

I had Penn at 25 as well

As far as St Thomas, They are still in the US Virgin Islands as far as I’m concerned, at least until they beat somebody


Not nearly as good as going to the Maladives, but still makes for a nice week at the beach xdrunkyx

[caribbeanhen]

Not nearly as good as going to the Maladives, but still makes for a nice week at the beach xdrunkyx

Not all the virgins are the same and St Thomas is the one to miss

[FUGameBreaker]

Not all the virgins are the same and St Thomas is the one to miss


IMHO all depends on what house you can get, but that's me